Friday, January 30, 2009

I have always enjoyed organizing and attending artists workshops. I go into them with an open mind and a positive attitude about learning what the instructor has to teach ... after all that is what I paid the money for. Even if I only learn one thing in each workshop, I feel that I am a better painter for it.

Last weekend I attended a workshop by Brian Simons in Victoria BC. I had been looking for an acrylic workshop when I came across his website and really liked the look of his artwork. I thought, perhaps I can learn from this man.

Brian teaches you to underpaint using a burnt sienna, spending time working on your values - darks and lights. Once you are happy with that, then the colour is ready to be added and like magic your painting comes to life. I started this one upside down, as I wanted to get my head out of the process (the canvas was upside down - not me). Instead of thinking about clouds and beach, I was thinking about shapes and light and dark spaces.

After two days of struggling with this new technique - here is the end result.

Brian thinks this piece is close to being finished and to not work it anymore - until it SCREAMS at me.So far it hasn't even whispered .... so perhaps I'll leave it be.

p.s. Update on Sheldon:

Sheldon has arrived in Sask. feathers unruffledThey think perhaps Johnathan is a tinsy bit jealous as Sheldon is a little more 'polished' and perhaps more of a ladies man.

They think it's best for the time being to be on separate walls to let them 'get to know' each other.

Friday, January 23, 2009

He cocks his neck slightly as if to say "I'm Listening." This is 5x7" acrylic painting was painted just a week ago, but Sheldon is already flying the coop. He will make his new home in the Qu'Appelle Valley, Saskatchwan where his cousin Johnathan resides.

Although he will be deeply missed, it is nice that they willbe united.

Who knows what shenanigans they will get into - after all - birds of a feather flock together.

Johnathan, 8 x 10", acrylic painting

He flew the coop last summer after being featured in my annual Qu'Appelle Valley Travel Guide. The attention went to his little bird brain, and next thing you know .... he was off and flying.

Safe journey my little friends. I am sure a few more of their relatives will be showing up soon.

Sunday, January 18, 2009

I was talking to a good friend of mine this morning and she said "Ha, where is your blog from Friday?" Wow, ooops I forgot. I thought about it a couple of times during the day, "Oh ya, I have to do my blog today." Then who knows, I got tied up on the couch watching something I suppose. Sorry about that .... at least I know people are reading them. Goodie!

Here is my Friday Blog on a Sunday. Today it is warm, and foggy out. We just had pancakes for breakfast. (Another friend of mine in Sask. thinks that all we do - is eat!) Can I help it that we love watching the Food Network! After this we are going for a BIG dog walk down to the ocean, where the eagles and seals play.

This painting was inspired from a photo that I took last fall while on a dog walk. Months later I was looking for an image to paint. This stuck me as I loved the movement of the waves. It wasn't till I started working on it that I noticed a small Canadian flag on a pole to the right of the picture. Here you can take a look at a closeup.

Once I saw that, I knew the title had to involve patriotism.

"Oh Canada", acrylic 12 x 10"

This piece is for sale and hanging at "The Hobby Farmer" - gallery and gifts in Qualicum Beach.

Friday, January 9, 2009

Hi - what a great week I have had. At the beginning of January I always feel refreshed, geared up and ready for a great new year. This week was no exception, as I completed three more paintings that I had started in December. I sent out my monthly "Hot Off the Palette" newsletter, contacted some clients, and started my next issue of the "Island Arts Magazine". I even managed to fit in a couple of coffee dates. How's that for a complete week?

The really BIG news is that I am awaiting the arrival of ..... my latest book. It's called "A Collection of Fine Art". It is a book of some of my acrylic paintings, along with the inspiration behind the creations. Next week I will be pacing the floor, like a newly expectant parent, waiting for the mail - lady to drop off the goods - hopefully my new addition book will be a part of it.

For anyone who would like a sneak preview of the book or to pick up a copy for your own collection, please go to the Blurb Bookstore.

Friday, January 2, 2009

With all the unusual accumulation of snow over the past couple of weeks and the frigid cold weather in the prairies, I thought it was quite fitting to reintroduce you to this painting.

The elevators on the prairies are slowly disappearing. Years ago they were in almost every small town, every eight miles down the road. I remember taking trip after trip with my dad as he hauled the grain to the elevator, disappointed if he forgot to take me on one of those rides. What a thrill it was when the the tail gate opened and the grain unloaded. The sound, the dust, the smell ... those memories are forever. Now the prairie icons and landmarks disappear. How grand it be to have an art gallery in an elevator. Maybe I could buy one for a loonie, or have it moved somewhere, perhaps to my dad's homestead farm.